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[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 500 Introduced in House (IH)]

113th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 500

 Supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 5, 2014

 Ms. Lee of California (for herself, Mr. Burgess, and Mr. Van Hollen) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                         on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week.

Whereas multiple sclerosis can impact men and women of all ages, races, and 
        ethnicities, but is more common (at least 2-3 times) in women than men;
Whereas approximately 2,300,000 people worldwide have been diagnosed with 
        multiple sclerosis;
Whereas multiple sclerosis is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, 
        however it is estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 children and 
        adolescents are living with multiple sclerosis in the United States;
Whereas multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable neurological disease that 
        interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the 
        brain and the rest of the body;
Whereas symptoms of multiple sclerosis range from numbness and tingling to 
        blindness and paralysis and the progress, severity and specific symptoms 
        of multiple sclerosis in any one person cannot yet be predicted;
Whereas there is no laboratory test available that definitely defines a 
        diagnosis for multiple sclerosis;
Whereas multiple sclerosis is not directly inherited, but studies show there are 
        genetic and likely environmental factors that indicate certain 
        individuals are susceptible to the disease, such as Caucasians of 
        northern European ancestry;
Whereas the exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown and there is no 
        cure;
Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition, a national network of independent 
        multiple sclerosis organizations dedicated to the enhancement of the 
        quality of life for all those affected by multiple sclerosis, recognizes 
        and supports Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week during March of every 
        calendar year;
Whereas the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition's mission is to increase opportunities 
        for cooperation and provide greater opportunity to leverage the 
        effective use of resources for the benefit of the multiple sclerosis 
        community;
Whereas the goals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week are to invite people to 
        join the movement to end multiple sclerosis, encourage everyone to do 
        something to demonstrate their commitment to moving toward a world free 
        of multiple sclerosis, and to acknowledge those who have dedicated their 
        time and talent to help promote multiple sclerosis research and 
        programs; and
Whereas this year Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is recognized during the 
        week of March 3, 2014, through March 9, 2014: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis 
        Awareness Week;
            (2) encourages the President to issue a proclamation in 
        support of the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness 
        Week;
            (3) encourages States, territories, possessions of the 
        United States, and localities to support the goals and ideals 
        of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week by issuing proclamations 
        designating Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
            (4) encourages media organizations to participate in 
        Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and help educate the public 
        about multiple sclerosis;
            (5) commends the efforts of the States, territories, and 
        possessions of the United States who support the goals and 
        ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week;
            (6) recognizes and reaffirms the Nation's commitment to 
        ending multiple sclerosis by promoting awareness about people 
        that are affected with multiple sclerosis and by promoting new 
        education programs, supporting research, and expanding access 
        to medical treatment; and
            (7) recognizes all people in the United States living with 
        multiple sclerosis, expresses gratitude to their family members 
        and friends who are a source of love and encouragement to them, 
        and salutes the health care professionals and medical 
        researchers who provide assistance to those so affected and 
        continue to work to find ways to stop the progression of the 
        disease, restore nerve function and end multiple sclerosis.
                                 <all>
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